Tactics as opposed to gadgets.

This is a discussion on Tactics as opposed to gadgets. within the Defensive Carry & Tactical Training forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; I recently watched the new DVD that Crimson Trace is offering for free.
Great vid, BTW, and very nice to see Wes Doss and Ken ...

Tactics as opposed to gadgets.

I recently watched the new DVD that Crimson Trace is offering for free.
Great vid, BTW, and very nice to see Wes Doss and Ken Hackathorn in action.
Two very serious hombres.
Naturally the DVD wants to sell you a laser unit and makes some good cases why one needs a laser on their pistol.
The main selling points that the DVD makes is that we are wired to focus on the threat, and that since so many encounters happen in low light, looking for a front sight in an actual close range gunfight is based more on faith than reality.
So far so good.
However, 99% of the shots that the video shows ( full extension, half extension, from the ground, from positions of disadvantage,etc) can be made by a trained point shooter without the need to search for a red dot--something which may or may not be visable when IT hits the fan.
Now this is not a knock on lasers, since I do see a place for them in both a SWAT/Military and a training venue.
But I question if the typical armed citizen, who is trained in point and aimed shooting techniques, really needs one

I own one gun with, and one without laser. At the range, I don't feel a big difference in accuracy.

So but why am I thinking about getting a laser for the other gun (Glock 27)? The main reason is that I think under stress, the laser will help. I don't have to think about sights and think it will gain me the extra fraction of a second. Just squeeze the trigger if the red dot hits center of mass. Of course ranges are always well lit and it is hard to simulate a realistic encounter.

Now others say the same thing can be achieved with sufficient training. But as an "armed citizen" as opposed to a SWAT/Special Forces person, there are limits to how much training one can get. I go to the range about once or twice a month, and shoot maybe 100-200 rounds each time.

The only reason I haven't gotten a laser for my Glock yet is that I first want to take some "real training" to possibly reconsider after that. Another reason is of course the extra bulk the laser adds to the grip.

Likely 9 times out of 10, a laser will provide absolutely no tactical advantage in CQC as others have said, the fight will be over before it becomes a relevant factor. But in that 1 out of 10, it could also serve as a psychological deterrent/delay tactic to put more distance between the BG and myself, similar to racking a shotgun. I would imagine seeing a laser pointed COM would make me stop and hesitate.

All that being said, I have a TLR-2 and have used it only once. Don't want to rely on it and it's just another damn thing to clean after a day of shooting

It's a GREAT training aid WRT trigger control and point-shooting training.
I believe the laser has it's place in a (low light) HD situation and certinally MIGHT have a positive effect on 'whoever' see the business end of my laser......but I do not rely on the laser for aiming or accuracy. I can hit my intended target without it. If you HAVE to have a laser, your training and skills are lacking.

It's a GREAT training aid WRT trigger control and point-shooting training.
I believe the laser has it's place in a (low light) HD situation and certinally MIGHT have a positive effect on 'whoever' see the business end of my laser......but I do not rely on the laser for aiming or accuracy. I can hit my intended target without it. If you HAVE to have a laser, your training and skills are lacking.

Let me start out by saying that I have a ton of respect for Wes Doss and Ken Hackathorn and I am friends with Todd Jarret.

However this video left a lot to be desired!

I too agree that the laser has uses for Instruction, Military and SWAT but in my humble opinion take the money you would spend on the laser and come train with Matt and I at my training facility. Or for that matter any competent Instructor, You won't be disappointed!

Just my $0.02

Matt - Rob Pincus will be at my facility on Dec 8-9! Teaching Combat Focus Shooting! I would love to do a LEO only class with you! Yes I got your message and will call you back Monday those dates are good to go!

Let me start out by saying that I have a ton of respect for Wes Doss and Ken Hackathorn and I am friends with Todd Jarret.

However this video left a lot to be desired!

I too agree that the laser has uses for Instruction, Military and SWAT but in my humble opinion take the money you would spend on the laser and come train with Matt and I at my training facility. Or for that matter any competent Instructor, You won't be disappointed!

Just my $0.02

Matt - Rob Pincus will be at my facility on Dec 8-9! Teaching Combat Focus Shooting! I would love to do a LEO only class with you! Yes I got your message and will call you back Monday those dates are good to go!